Leaked-MINI crossover countryman 4 X 4 images

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The first official images of the new MINI Countryman have been leaked, and they ...

The first official images of the new MINI Countryman have been leaked, and they reveal a few surprises. The Countryman is MINIís latest model and features several design changes that are unique to the model.

The MINI Countryman has been a highly anticipated vehicle for MINI because it breaks the mold from its fairly limited offerings in terms of model variance. During development, the Countryman was known internally as the Colorado, referred to as the Crossman by the media and made an appearance as a concept under the name of Beachcomber as recently as the Detroit Auto Show.
Despite a strong family resemblance, the Countryman will actually ride on a unique platform from the rest of the MINI line. The new architecture was needed to accommodate the Countrymanís all-wheel drive system and higher ride height Ė a full three inches higher than a standard MINI. The basic chassis and most components will be shared with the BMW X1, though the models wonít have any visual similarity. A 102.6 inch wheelbase and 72 inch width make the crossover larger than any previous MINI. The base model Countryman will be powered by the same 118 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder used in the Cooper.
The Beachcomber concept showed the door-less and more rugged look of the MINI Countryman, and as expected it was a bit more extreme than the now-leaked photos of the production Countryman. Still in common is the ďAll4″ badge that depicts the modelís all-wheel-drive system underneath its four doors and slightly higher stance. The Countryman also sports a new grille that is very similar to what Leftlane showed in an illustration (see gallery below), prior to public release of the new model.
In addition to the new grille, the front-end features a modified and decidedly retro front-end, including all-new headlamp housings. Out back the Countryman features a dual, but separated straight back exhaust system Ė a different configuration from the concept vehicle. On all four corners the Countryman is also sporting new blacked-out wheels with polished rims.
The inside of the Countryman appears to maintain the same design language found across the lineup, aside from the use of some rather ostentatious teal accents on the doors.
While the BMW X1 will be built in South Carolina, the Countryman will be assembled by Austriaís Magna Steyr. This will make it the first time that a MINI is assembled outside the United Kingdom. Both models will be sold in the U.S., but it remains unclear if their diesel versions will make the trek across the Atlantic. However, with stricter CAFE regulations looming, it remains a distinct possibility that the U.S. could see an oil-burning option.
The Countryman is expected to be available late 2010. Expect pricing to begin just under $30,000.